Babies are known for their erratic sleep patterns, and parents are often left struggling to get them to sleep through the night, or even to sleep at all! One of the biggest challenges faced by parents is the phenomenon known as the witching hour.
This is the time of day when babies become fussy, cranky, and inconsolable, making it difficult for parents to calm them down and get them to sleep.
The ‘witching hour’ is a common occurrence, but many parents don’t understand why it happens or how to cope with it. Below we will explore what the witching hour is, why it happens, and provide some tips and tricks for parents to help soothe their babies during this challenging time.
What Is A Witching Hour For Babies?
The witching hour for babies refers to a period of time, usually in the late afternoon or early evening, when babies become fussier, more irritable, and harder to soothe than usual. During this time, babies may cry, fuss, and appear agitated, even if they are not hungry, wet, or in need of a nappy change.
The witching hour typically begins around three to four weeks of age and can last until the baby is about three to four months old, although the duration and timing may vary from one baby to another.
What Causes Babies Witching Hour?
The exact cause of the witching hour is not fully understood, but there are several theories. One possibility is that it’s related to a baby’s immature digestive system, causing discomfort, gas, and colic.
Another theory is that it’s due to overstimulation, as babies may be tired and overwhelmed after a long day of sensory experiences. Hormonal changes, growth spurts, and changes in sleep patterns can also contribute to the witching hour.
Regardless of the cause, the witching hour can be a challenging time for parents, as they try to soothe and calm their fussy babies.
It’s important for parents to understand that the witching hour is a normal phase that many babies go through and that it will eventually pass. However, there are some strategies that parents can use to help their babies through this difficult time, as you will see below.
How To Calm Your Baby During Witching Hour
Coping with a fussy or irritable baby during the witching hour can be challenging, but there are several strategies that parents can use to help soothe their little ones. Here are some tips to help calm your baby during the witching hour:
- Try different feeding positions: If your baby is bottle-fed, experiment with different feeding positions to help reduce the amount of air they swallow. If you’re breastfeeding, make sure your baby is latching properly and consider switching sides to ensure they’re getting enough milk.
- Use white noise: White noise can help soothe your baby and drown out other sounds that may be overstimulating them. Try playing calming sounds, such as ocean waves or a heartbeat, to help your baby relax. Sometimes even the vacuum cleaner or noise from the washing machine will help!
- Rock or sway your baby: Gentle rocking or swaying can help calm your baby and ease their fussiness. You can try using a rocking chair, a baby swing, or even carrying your baby in a baby carrier while walking around.
- Change your baby’s environment: Sometimes, a change of scenery can help distract your baby and calm them down. Take your baby for a walk outside or move to a different room to help them relax.
- Offer a dummy (or pacifier): Dummies can be soothing for some babies and may help them calm down during the witching hour.
- Practice skin-to-skin contact: Holding your baby skin-to-skin can help regulate their breathing, heart rate, and temperature, which can be calming for them. It can also help promote bonding between you and your baby.
- Be patient and calm: Remember that the witching hour is a normal phase that many babies go through, and it will eventually pass. Stay patient and calm, and try not to get frustrated or upset. Your baby can pick up on your emotions, and staying calm can help them feel more relaxed.
Once you become familiar with your baby’s patterns, you’ll know when to expect this fussy time or ‘witching hour’. Do your best to be able to allocate this time to just soothing and calming your baby.
Try not to add the pressure of needing to cook dinner or do any other chores at this time and just concentrate on you and your baby. And remember to share the load if possible – have someone else (friend or relative) take the baby for a walk in the fresh air so you get a chance to regroup and re-energise.
Every baby is different – two of mine were easily soothed with a breastfeed so I would count on just sitting for an hour or so with a baby attached. But my middle child would sometimes not take the breast just for comfort and insisted on being walked around the lounge room in a baby carrier/sling while my eldest and I sang songs. You’ll get to know what works for you and your family.
Why Is It Called The ‘Witching Hour’?
The term “witching hour” has been used for centuries and originally referred to the time of night when witches were thought to be most active. In folklore, this was believed to be a time of supernatural occurrences and heightened activity, with witches and other spirits said to be at their most powerful.
In the context of babies, the term “witching hour” is used to describe a period of time when babies become more fussy, irritable, and difficult to soothe than usual.
While the term has no actual connection to witches or the supernatural in this context, it may have been borrowed due to its association with a period of heightened activity and restlessness.
The term has become widely used among parents to describe this phase of a baby’s development, and while it may have negative connotations, it is important to note that the witching hour is a normal part of a baby’s development and will eventually pass.
How Old Are Babies When The Witching Hour Starts?
The first couple of weeks of a newborn’s life generally consists of a lot of sleeping, so you will not usually experience a ‘witching hour’ in the first 2 weeks. The witching hour typically starts when babies are around 2-3 weeks old and can last until they are around 3-4 months old.
What Time Is Witching Hour For Babies?
Witching hour is most commonly observed in the late afternoon or early evening – often just when you want to start cooking (or eating) dinner. The duration and timing of the witching hour can vary from one baby to another, and some babies may experience it earlier or later than others.
It probably also depends on your household’s daily routines – if you are early risers then witching hour will probably happen for you earlier than a family who gets up a bit later.
Why Do Babies Have A Witching Hour?
As explained above, the exact cause of the witching hour in babies is not fully understood, but there are several theories as to why babies experience this fussy, colicky behavior in the late afternoon or early evening.
One theory is related to digestive issues. Babies’ immature digestive systems may struggle to handle the intake of milk or formula, leading to discomfort, gas, and colic. This discomfort can be worse later in the day when the baby has been feeding more and may have accumulated more gas or stomach upset. If you think this might be the problem, there are some handy hints here about helping your baby with wind pain.
Another theory is related to overstimulation. Babies may become overstimulated throughout the day, with sights, sounds, and sensations from the world around them – remember everything is new to them. This can cause them to become overtired and overwhelmed, making it harder for them to settle down and relax. Sometimes when this happens, they really just need a cuddle/sleep and/or feed with mum.
Other factors that may contribute to the witching hour include hormonal changes, developmental milestones, and changes in sleep patterns. Additionally, some babies may simply have more difficult temperaments and be more prone to fussy behavior in general.
While the exact cause of the witching hour may not be fully understood, parents can take comfort in knowing that it is a normal phase of development that many babies experience. By using soothing techniques and providing a calm, comforting environment, parents can help their babies through this challenging period.
When Does The Witching Hour End For Babies?
The witching hour typically ends for most babies around 3-4 months of age, although the timing may vary from one baby to another.
As babies grow and develop, their digestive systems become more mature, and they are better able to handle the intake of milk or formula. They also become more adept at regulating their own sleep-wake cycles, which can help reduce fussiness and colic.
It is important to note that the end of the witching hour does not necessarily mean that babies will stop being fussy altogether. Babies may continue to experience fussy periods due to other factors such as teething, growth spurts, and developmental changes. However, these periods are generally less intense than the witching hour and may be more easily soothed.
So, in summary, the witching hour can obviously be a challenging time for both babies and parents. While the exact cause of the witching hour is not fully understood, it is likely related to a combination of factors such as digestive issues, overstimulation, and developmental changes.
Fortunately, the witching hour is a normal phase of development that most babies will grow out of by around 3-4 months of age. It will get easier – I promise!
During the witching hour, parents can use a variety of soothing techniques such as swaddling, rocking, and white noise to help calm their babies. It is also important for parents to take care of themselves during this time, by getting enough rest, seeking support from others, and not blaming themselves for their baby’s fussiness.
Remember, every baby is different, and while some may experience more intense witching hour periods than others, it is important to stay patient and offer comfort to your little one. With time and patience, you and your baby will get through the witching hour, and you can both enjoy the special bond that comes with parenthood.
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